New jerseys draw fans to Regina Rider Store

In Rider Nation, there is only one important fashion decision: green or green. 

As the CFL unveiled new jersey designs for the 2016 season Thursday, several fans stopped by the Rider Store at Northgate Mall to get a better look at the green and white.

“I think it’s really exciting. I think the jerseys look sharp. They’re a nice clean look,” said Adrianna McConnell. “I’m glad they stayed true to the colours and I think this new team will rebuild and be great.”

“They look good. I like them better than the other ones. They’re nice and clean, not a lot of junk on them,” said Jerry after popping into the store to take a look. “There’s just not as much clutter on them. They seem to be a neat, tidy arrangement.”

Jeff Heidt admitted it can be hard to please Rider fans.

“I like them,” he said. “Every Rider fan has something to complain about – either they’re too different or they’re too plain. I think these ones are a nice mix of something in between.”

When asked if he thinks there might be a rush to buy new jerseys with so few starting players left on the lineup from last year, Heidt said he thinks fans will buy anything new no matter what.

So whose name is on his jersey?

“I’m kind of a jinx that way – I don’t get players on my jersey I just leave it,” he said. “Either they get hurt or they get traded or they get cut whenever I get players on my jersey so I just leave it blank.”

Jerry admitted that he hasn’t had a jersey with a name on the back since George Reed and Ron Lancaster.  

“The price of the jerseys makes it a bit of a gamble – and the numbers of the players change – the players are here, the players are gone,” Jerry said.

Most fans do appreciate the idea of four stripes on the pants to represent four Grey Cup wins.

“It’s nice. I hope maybe down the road we have five or six stripes on the pants, but yeah, it’s a good idea,” Heidt said.